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The need for STEM skills in the supply chain

Organizations can close skills gaps by offering development opportunities to both new and existing employees.

By Becky Partida ·
March 1, 2016

The complexity of modern supply chains and the advancement of technology in the field have led organizations to place greater importance on the need for supply chain employees to possess STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills. APQC has found that a slight majority of organizations look for STEM skills in their new hires for supply chain positions. The most highly sought after of these skills are engineering and operations research, or the use of analytics to optimize transportation networks.

As in many fields, STEM skills are not widely available or fully developed among supply chain professionals. APQC has found that some organizations are tackling this problem by creating development programs for new professionals.

However, lasting solutions provide development of STEM skills among both new and more tenured employees. Some organizations have found this balance and seen positive results for the business.

The complexity of modern supply chains and the advancement of technology in the field have led organizations to place greater importance on the need for supply chain employees to possess STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills. APQC has found that a slight majority of organizations look for STEM skills in their new hires for supply chain positions. The most highly sought after of these skills are engineering and operations research, or the use of analytics to optimize transportation networks.

As in many fields, STEM skills are not widely available or fully developed among supply chain professionals. APQC has found that some organizations are tackling this problem by creating development programs for new professionals.

However, lasting solutions provide development of STEM skills among both new and more tenured employees. Some organizations have found this balance and seen positive results for the business.

If history is our guide, economies take a turn every nine years. Yet time and again, a strong business cycle and fading memories convince us the good times will go on forever. Ten years after the great recession, we surveyed 100 manufacturing firms to find out if businesses are ready to fight through the next recession.

Is Digital Transformation a risk or an opportunity? This webinar will detail Manufacturing industry challenges and how using IoT can address these challenges through optimizing logistics, improving processes and gaining meaningful insights.